Duty 'spells end for owner-drivers'
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by David Craik • Scores of owner-drivers claim they will go bust if the Chancellor introduces his planned fuel duty increases in March's Budget (CM 5-11 Feb).
The warning comes from Shropshire-based owner-driver Julian Davies, who says he will be among the casualties.
Last week the Chancellor was reported to be contemplating adding up to 25p a gallon to diesel in his March Budget. Describing the rise as "a hell of a shock", Davies, who, has been operating for 18 months, says it will kill off any operator, large or small, currently surviving on a tight budget: "This will finish me off and others too who are fed up with the industry. Big fuel increases will be the final straw for many."
Davies, who has been doing container work including wine and tyres for Seawheel in Ipswich, says current rates nationwide are "appalling".
He wants companies to increase rates to help operators cope with any fuel duty rise and says he will meet Seawheel soon to discuss the situation.